Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene
Scripture:
Songs 3:1-4b or 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
John 20: 1-2, 11-18
Reflection:
I’ve come to think of St. John’s Gospel as “color commentary” on the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. While the synoptic gospels give us factual details and timelines concerning Christ’s Resurrection and subsequent appearances, it is John who shows us Christ’s humanity. He does so superbly in illuminating the tender meeting of Mary Magdalene and Our Lord outside the tomb that first Easter morning.
The depth of infused emotion Christ uses, calling Mary’s name animates a scene that resonates so strongly with our shared nature human nature that even two hundred centuries later, we are still affected by its intensity. Christ sought out Mary first, before all others. In her relief and joy, she attempted to hold on to Him, perhaps because she thought she had lost Him on Calvary. But Christ explained that she must not cling to Him because “He had not yet ascended to the Father”.
Devil promises only after ascending to His Father does Our Lord then seek out His disciples: The men and women who had followed Him, and now have hidden themselves in fear of the Roman authorities, the leaders of the Temple who accused them of hiding Christ’s body, and even angry followers who feel betrayed by Jesus’s promises, expecting the arrival of a powerful, earthly king who would destroy the Roman occupation and subjection of Israel.
I ask you Lord, please seek me out as well. I have gone all too far from Your path, then struggled in the darkness to find my way back. Please light the way to follow you, ~ my Redeemer, my Lord, my God.
Ray Alonzo is the father of three children, grandfather of two, and husband to Jan for over45 years. He is a USN Vietnam Veteran, and a 1969 graduate of Mother of Good Counsel Passionist Prep Seminary. Ray currently serves on the Passionist Alumni Council.